Hello everyone! Today we have a very kind author, who likes to help others. And…she is a fellow night owl. It has been exciting to interview her and learn more about her. Read on and tell us what you think!Janice, please tell us a little about yourself.I am a wife, mother, grandmother, author, writer of poetry & novels, avid reader, copy editor, believer in God and an optimistic and positive person. Writing has always been my favorite thing to do since I was a little girl. I am the co-founder of PiA, Published Indie Authors, a site that supports and promotes Indie Authors, Illustrators, Publishers and Artists.What is the title of your book?I have two children’s books currently available, the first one I published is Louey the Lazy Elephant. Please, tell us a little about your book.Louey is an adorable but lazy elephant who wakes up one morning to find that the herd has moved on without him. He is upset but determined to find his family and friends. He learns a valuable lesson.

What inspired you to write this book?I have always loved elephants since I was a little girl and went to the local zoo with my parents. I was fascinated by the baby elephant and how well the mother elephant took care of him.How long have you been writing?I have been writing since I was nine years old. That is a very long time but only got serious since I retired three years ago. I now have more time to write and promote my work and publish, in between babysitting my grandchildren, that is.

What is your favorite way to promote yourself and your book?I blog about my work and visit other blogs to support other authors. In turn, I hope they will support me too. I also promote on FB, TW, LI, Google+, Pinterest, Goodreads, iAuthor, BookViral.Which of your characters is your favorite and why?I love Louey even if he is a little lazy. He is just adorable and sweet and very lovable. When I read my book I feel like a kid again.Do you have other books? (Feel free to list them.)Ricky the Rambunctious Raccoon, working on a Murder mystery and YA fantasy and three other children’s books (can’t give titles until they are copyrighted).What is your hope for your book?My hope and dream is to have children love my books. I get very excited when I sell just one because I know that somewhere there is a little child reading my book and hopefully enjoying it. It is not the financial part of it that is important but that my books are being read. I want my work to nurture a love of reading in children. If there is a little financial support thrown into the mix that is okay too. What is a little known fact about you that you can share?I have always been very shy and insecure. It has taken many years to feel more confident but writing helps me get out of my shell.

What draws you to the genre that you write?My love of children draws me to write animal stories. I love to see the look of wonder in children’s eyes when they look at my books. They are so sweet and precious. I interact very well with children and they seem to be drawn to me too.If you are a children’s author, do you illustrate your own books?No, I cannot draw at all but my husband is a talented artist. I convinced him to draw Louey. He was very forthcoming and said that he didn’t consider himself an artist or an illustrator. But surprise – he is one now! Ha ha! I call him my reluctant partner. He does enjoy it and is currently working on my third children’s book.

Is there a message, a lesson, or a moral to your story? If so, would you to share it?In Louey the lesson is to get anywhere in life you cannot be lazy. If you are lazy you will be left behind by the herd (pack).

Do you have a blog or website?Yes, I have both. On my blog I write about my publishing experiences and do book reviews and interviews of other authors’ and their books.

On my website I post my books and those of other authors. I am also a copy editor and have edited many other authors’ books. This service is noted on my website with references.

What literary character do you think you are like and why?I don’t think of myself as like anyone else because I am my own person, shy,yet personable, insecure yet confident, upbeat yet morose and a friend to anyone in need.

Thank you Jodi for these unique questions and the honor of being on your site. I appreciate your support and friendship. You have been very kind to do this interview.

Aw! You are very welcome, Janice. It has been my pleasure. I hope all of you have enjoyed the interview as much as I have. I haven't read Janice's books yet, but may just have to check them out. They sound adorable. I hope you do as well!

Jodi Desautels

Jodi Desautels is a wife and mother. She is a life-long learner who has two rules to live by: "The Golden Rule" and "Live. Laugh. Love." She loves family, friends, and nature. Passions include caring for people, education, writing, illustrating, and photography.